First goals for Tom Bradshaw in a Millwall shirt will be a big confidence boost

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Tom Bradshaw netted twice for Millwall U23s in their Professional Development League win over Watford at The Den – and boss Neil Harris reckons it will help with the striker bedding into Lions life.

The frontman started at The Den and scored from the penalty spot after Rob Harvey had been brought down.

Bradshaw then finished confidently past Hornets stopper Sam Howes from Isaac Olaofe’s pass.

The 26-year-old has made two Championship starts since his seven-figure switch to The Den but played just 15 minutes in the last three matches.

“Tom had played a lot at Barnsley before he came to us and I wanted him to play on Friday,” said Harris. “It’s just continuing getting those messages – the U23s play very similar to our first team.

“It’s about getting used to our runs and finding the ball. You have to defend from the front. He put in a very good display.

“The two goals were good ones in different ways. The penalty was confidently struck and the second as a good team goal with an excellent finish.

“He showed his ability as a goalscorer and fitted into the team play with ease. It is certainly good for his confidence. It’s a good reminder to the manager of his performance levels.

“All players take time to fit into any new system. You have to build relationships and combinations. It’s just how quickly you settle.

“Tom has done extremely well, as have all the new lads. But nailing it straight away is difficult.”

Centre-back Shaun Hutchinson returned from his knee injury and played 45 minutes on Friday.

“He has been out seven or eight weeks and that amount of game time after training all week was a good return,” said Harris. “He looked strong. It’s about getting those football movements again.

“I’m really pleased for him. He’s back in the training group this week with a view to maybe being involved in the squad at the weekend [for the Reading game].”